Lally looking forward to another Connacht showdown with Galway

MAYO senior ladies footballer Saoirse Lally is gearing up for another Connacht decider against Galway today in Kiltoom, Roscommon.

She will be hoping for a repeat of the 2023 final, which saw Mayo win their first provincial senior championship since 2016.

Yet the year could have been so different for Saoirse. After a routine cardiac screening for the Mayo squad earlier this year, it was revealed that she had a condition linked to SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome).

Reflecting on the experience as AIG held their 2024 Ladies Football Championship launch, Saoirse shared: “Our whole Mayo squad got cardiac screened in February. I never thought anything would ever come of it because I've played multiple sports my whole life and everything like that and never once had an issue. So then once I found out that I had a condition called pre-excitation syndrome, it was a massive shock.”

Fortunately, Lally underwent a procedure in Dublin that required only a week of rest before rejoining the Mayo team. Following her journey, Saoirse emphasises the importance of cardiac screenings for all, echoing the sentiment that prevention is paramount.

She outlines how the tragic incident involving Tipperary hurler Dylan Quirke underscores the criticality of cardiac screenings.

“Obviously the Dylan Quirke situation was awful sad and it's just a prime example of how important cardiac screening is and I think everyone should get it regardless of your age, your sport.

“I think management should be pushing for it as well because I know a lot of players don't actually go get it done because they're scared that if something comes up, they might never play football again or might never be on the panel for the rest of the year or be on the starting team.

"But you might only be out for a week after it, so yeah I think it should be really pushed and be made compulsory really.”

Lally’s resilience is palpable, as evidenced by her swift return to the field. Her journey has been marked by challenges, including enduring multiple injuries, notably fracturing her collarbone twice two years ago, sidelining her for a gruelling nine months right in the thick of the championship season.

Now in her sixth year with the Mayo squad, she has solidified her position as a formidable presence. Mayo’s triumph in securing their first Connacht senior title since 2016 last year was a watershed moment, but the Westport player anticipates a hard-fought battle in their pursuit of back-to-back titles.

Acknowledging the long-standing rivalry with Galway, Lally affirms: “We know Galway inside out and they know us inside out at this stage. We play with each other so many times each year. But it always makes for a great game.”

Reflecting on their previous league encounter, Lally underscores the narrow margin of victory, highlighting the impending challenge.

“We played them in the league this year and we only beat them by point and they could have easily won that game. They had a last minute free. So it just goes to show how close the teams will be.”

Despite personnel changes on both sides, including the return of key players for Galway, Lally remains optimistic, citing Mayo's reinforcements and emerging talents.

The infusion of youth injects excitement, complementing the seasoned experience within the squad.

“They (Galway) have a few Kilkerrin Clonberne players back who always get to the club All-Ireland final and everything. So they'd be a very strong side. They have the likes of Nicola Ward, who is a very attacking defender. So yeah, it'd be a good challenge, but we're really looking forward to it.”

Excitedly, Lally notes the increased representation of her club, Westport, within the Mayo set-up, attributing it to a collective boost for both club and county endeavours. As aspirations soar for potential club success, Lally remains grounded, emphasising the fierce competition within the Mayo club championship.

“This year there's six from my club on the team, so it's a great boost for the club as well. Last year really there were only two of us, so it'll be great for our club season as well after county,” she said.

Navigating the intricacies of club and county commitments, Lally exudes a blend of determination and optimism, emblematic of her unwavering spirit both on and off the field.

On the club front it's been a pretty positive start to the year. Big wins over Carnacon and Kilmovee Shamrocks in the first two games in the league have set the tone nicely for Westport in 2024 as they aim for a first championship crown.

But for now the focus is fully on a Connacht senior final with Mayo, and a potential first back-to-back run of senior provincial titles since the mid-noughties (2007-2008).

It promises to be a memorable journey.